Project Orion, the anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, is set to carry on with the first-person view that defined its predecessor. This news comes from a recent job listing that hints at how CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is shaping its next big release.
Since its announcement in October 2022, Project Orion hasn’t seen much in the way of detailed updates. However, keen-eyed fans have picked up bits of information from job postings from CDPR, shedding light on their current priorities for their upcoming project.
Recently, a job listing from CDPR’s Boston team caught some attention on Reddit. A user by the name of Lymbasy highlighted the listing for a senior gameplay animator. This ad emphasized crafting immersive first-person experiences, reinforcing the idea that Project Orion will, indeed, feature similar gameplay mechanics as Cyberpunk 2077.
When Cyberpunk 2077 was revealed at E3 2018 as a first-person perspective game, it stirred up some controversy. Many fans questioned the move, expecting a continuation of the third-person perspective common in open-world RPGs. Yet, CDPR’s decision paid off considerably. The first-person view became a key aspect of the game’s immersive experience, praised for enhancing the game’s vast scale and giving players a more personal connection during its cutscenes.
With Cyberpunk 2077 sales surpassing 30 million copies by the end of 2024, it’s no surprise that CDPR plans to build on its successful formula with Project Orion. While it’s expected to remain rooted in a first-person experience, there may still be elements, like driving sequences, where players can switch to a third-person view.
However, if you’re anticipating the sequel anytime soon, keep in mind that Project Orion might not launch until the late 2020s or early 2030s. The newly posted job listing indicates that the game is still in its pre-production phase. With The Witcher 4—also known as Project Polaris—steeped in development and unlikely to release before late 2027, Project Orion may not see a release until even later.
This timeline suggests that the next Cyberpunk installment might skip the current PS5 and Xbox Series X/S generation, potentially debuting on the next wave of consoles expected around 2027 or 2028. For fans of the franchise, this means there’s plenty of time to revisit Night City or explore other virtual realms, while CDPR prepares to bring us back to the bustling, neon-lit streets in the future.
